Hearts of Lions: DeLuca & Dawkins Carry NEPA With Them Into the Pinstripe Bowl
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | December 8, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire Team
On the college football stage, greatness is measured in tackles, blocks, trophies, and rings. But sometimes, the true measure of a player comes long before Saturdays, in the backyard fields where dreams first took shape, and in the communities that raised them. For Penn State senior captains Dominic DeLuca and Nick Dawkins, the Pinstripe Bowl will be a final opportunity to play for something bigger than the Blue & White.
They’re suiting up for Northeast Pennsylvania.
DOMINIC DeLUCA - The Warrior Who Never Stops Fighting
Wyoming Area’s own. A kid who grew up idolizing the Nittany Lions and never once considered taking no for an answer.
DeLuca arrived in Happy Valley in 2021 without stars next to his name - just heart, hustle, and a walk-on label he was determined to erase. By grinding through every drill, every special teams rep, every prove-it moment, he earned not only a scholarship but the honorary No. 0 jersey, reserved for the program’s toughest and most selfless special teams leader.
Captain. Playmaker. Spark plug.
Long before college, DeLuca showed what he was made of, leading Wyoming Area to a state title while playing with a torn ACL. His toughness became legend. His leadership, undeniable.
And while he became a special teams menace in Beaver Stadium, his biggest impact comes when the helmet comes off.
DeLuca goes all-in for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, joining the Northeast Polar Plunge, raising thousands through his “Zero In” charity golf tournament, and showing young athletes what community looks like. Ask anyone who’s seen him with fans, kids, or teammates:
Dom doesn’t just play for Penn State, he plays for people.
NICK DAWKINS - Strength Far Beyond the Field
A captain forged by responsibility and fueled by purpose.
Recruited out of Parkland High School, Dawkins arrived at Penn State with a famous name, the son of the late NBA icon Darryl Dawkins but a mission entirely his own: support his family, uplift his community, and honor his roots through action.
His major in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management isn’t just a degree, it’s a calling. Dawkins interned with the YMCA of Centre County, helping design youth programming and visiting anti-hunger initiatives that turn old bowling alleys into food lifelines. That experience didn’t just open his eyes, it pushed him forward.
He founded the Dawkins Family Foundation, delivering scholarships, backpacks, mentorship initiatives, and football camps in partnership with Five Star Heart to help kids who need support the most.
Dawkins isn’t only building a future for himself, he’s building one for others.
And through shoulder surgeries, redshirt seasons, and battles in the trenches, he grew into a respected voice, trusted leader, and team captain for one of college football’s proudest programs.
Ask anyone around him, Nick leads with heart.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE No Matter Where They Play
On December 27th, when Penn State takes on Clemson at Yankee Stadium, both of these captains will strap up one more time, not just for Penn State, but for every kid who dreams of making it big from a small town in Northeast Pa.
For every fan who watched them grow up. For every community they continue to serve. For every family member in the stands wiping away pride-filled tears.
They go to New York as Lions. But they walk in as NEPA legends.
Because sometimes…
Football is the vehicle. Leadership is the legacy. Home is the reason.
